What To Look For When Buying Your Next Home

If you're done with renting and looking to buy a house, this list can help you start your search in the right place. While the number of rooms, the condition of the kitchen, and the size of a garden are key considerations, there are certainly more pressing things to consider before making an offer on a new property. Heck, some of us would go a step further to say they’d prefer to build their own home with a home designer such as bellriver home designers. We can dream, right?

Anyway, here are some things to check for when buying a house… 

The Location

They say the three most important factors to consider when purchasing a property are location, location, and location. You can modify practically everything else except the location of your residence. Consider closeness to your workplace, how the home is positioned on the property, ease of entry, noise from neighbours, and traffic when house hunting. Accessibility to amenities, parks, shopping, schools, and public transportation is also up there with priority considerations since you want your house to work for you (and not the other way around).

The Site 

Look at the home's site in addition to its location. Is there a view, a walkout basement, or a lot of steps to climb if the house is on a hill? Do the windows of the neighbours see directly into the house? Is the yard safe for children, pets, gardening, or other activities? Is entrance to the property secure in terms of driveway elevation or stairs leading to the front door? If you intend to stay in your home for an extended period of time, consider how your accessibility requirements may alter as you age.

The Environment 

Make certain that the neighbourhood, not just the house, fulfils your expectations. Drive around a neighbourhood throughout the day and at night on weekdays and weekends. Are the sizes and features of the residences in the neighbourhood consistent? Are the yards kept neat and tidy by the neighbours, or are there old cars and debris lying around? Is the area safe enough for people to walk, run, or ride their bikes? Check to discover if the neighbourhood is child-friendly or pet-friendly, if that is important to you.

Curb Appeal of the House 

Your home should represent your design preferences as well as your way of living. Do you want a low-key lifestyle and don't want to deal with a lot of outside upkeep? To stay up, you might want to avoid a formal Victorian or Tudor-style home with many elaborate details. Consider a basic option, such as a brick house. In addition, consider if the roof and any decks or patios are in good shape. Also, look at the landscaping to see how much yard work you'll have to perform.

Be exact

This sounds like a no brainer but its something many of us do without realising. Instead of being too broad and open with our property searches, its best to determine your exact requirements and then only look at properties that suit your requirements. It would be a pity to fall in love with a snug, attractive house that isn't large enough for you. Don't make the mistake of assuming you'll be able to add more square footage later. Consult an architect for advice on space planning, land utilisation, and local requirements. Consider who will be living in your house today and in the future. Consider the possibility of having children, taking in relatives, or finding roommates when calculating your bedroom and bathroom count.